Coleville, Missouri facts for kids

Coleville was once a small town in Bates County, in the U.S. state of Missouri. Today, it is known as an "extinct town" or a ghost town. This means that almost everyone has moved away, leaving behind a place that was once busy and full of life.

What is a Ghost Town?

A ghost town is a place where most people have left. It might have empty buildings or just ruins. These towns were once active communities. They had homes, shops, and sometimes even schools. But over time, people moved away. This can happen for many reasons.

Why Do Towns Become Ghost Towns?

Towns can become ghost towns for different reasons. Sometimes, the main reason people lived there disappears. For example, a mining town might become empty if all the ore is dug up. Or, a town might lose its importance if a new road or railroad bypasses it. People then move to places with more jobs or better connections.

How Do We Know About Them?

Even if a town is gone, we can still learn about it. Records like maps, old letters, and government documents help us. The GNIS (Geographic Names Information System) helps track places like Coleville. It lists them as "populated places" even if they are no longer active. This helps historians and geographers study how communities change.

The Story of Coleville

Coleville was officially started in 1859. A man named Samuel Cole planned the town. He decided to name the community after himself. This was a common practice when new towns were being formed.

A Short-Lived Post Office

For a short time, Coleville had its own post office. It opened in 1871. A post office was very important for a town back then. It connected people to the outside world. It allowed them to send and receive letters and packages. However, the post office in Coleville did not last long. It closed its doors just eight years later, in 1879. This short lifespan suggests that the town itself might not have grown very much.

What Happened Next?

After the post office closed, it is likely that more people started to leave Coleville. Without a strong reason to stay, such as a growing economy or new opportunities, towns can slowly fade away. Coleville became an "extinct town." It is now a part of Missouri's history, reminding us of the many small communities that once dotted the landscape.